Human Resources Advisor, Operations

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Introduction

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation that provides assistance to people affected by conflicts, epidemics, and natural or human-made disasters, as well as to those excluded from healthcare. We provide this assistance without discrimination, irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation. 

About MSF Ubuntu

MSF Ubuntu is the newest Operational Directorate (OD) of Médecins Sans Frontières, grounded in the principles of Ubuntu – “I am because we are”. With a base blended between the offices of MSF Southern Africa and MSF Eastern Africa and a strong emphasis on interdependence, interoperability, and maximising sustainable outcomes, MSF Ubuntu seeks to add a new approach to the delivery of medical humanitarian action to the movement by placing communities at the heart of decision-making.

Job Purpose

The HR Advisor, Operations, contributes to achieving operational goals across the Cell portfolio by ensuring that country programmes are equipped with the appropriate workforce, organisational structures, and people management practices to deliver quality humanitarian interventions. 

The role supports Programs teams in attracting, developing, and retaining the right people in the right positions, fostering high performance, and ensuring alignment with MSF principles, policies, and strategic priorities. As the Human Resources focal point for the Operations, the HR Advisor (OPS) provides strategic and operational guidance to field management and Human Resources Coordinators (HRCos) throughout the employee lifecycle and across all HR domains. 

Acting as the functional referent for HRCo teams, the Advisor offers expert support, constructive challenges, and context-adapted solutions that balance immediate operational demands with longer-term workforce sustainability and organisational development needs. The position is hierarchically accountable to the Operations Manager and maintains a functional reporting relationship with the Head of HR Operations within the HR Department.

Key Responsibilities 

1. Strategic HR Partnership and Operational Support

• Serve as the strategic HR advisor to the Operations, ensuring HR priorities support operational objectives across the portfolio.
• Lead and support the development of country-level HR strategies, workforce plans, and organisational structures aligned with operational needs.
• Provide expert HR guidance to field leadership throughout the project cycle, including regular operations, exploratory missions, and emergencies.
• Advise and challenge stakeholders to achieve an effective balance between immediate operational demands and long-term workforce sustainability.

2. HR Governance, Policy Implementation and Risk Management  Promote the consistent application of MSF UBUNTU HR policies, principles, and standards across the portfolio.

•  Ensure HR practices comply with legal, ethical, and organisational requirements while supporting MSF UBUNTU’s duty-of-care commitments.
• Identify and mitigate people-related risks that may impact operational effectiveness, workforce stability, or organisational reputation.
• Support continuous improvement of HR systems, processes, and governance practices.

3. Workforce Performance, Talent Management and Organisational Development

• Oversee workforce performance and organisational effectiveness across the assigned portfolio. 
• Support Program management and HR Coordinators in talent management, succession planning, employee development, and retention strategies.
• Provide guidance on complex people management matters, including organisational change, employee relations, and conflict resolution.
• Monitor workforce trends and key HR indicators to inform decision-making and strengthen organisational capacity.

4. Functional Leadership and Capacity Building

• Act as the functional referent and primary support for HR Coordinators within the portfolio.
• Provide coaching, technical guidance, and professional support to strengthen HR leadership and capabilities in program Countries.
• Contribute to the recruitment, assessment, onboarding, and development of HR professionals. 
• Promote knowledge sharing, learning, and the adoption of HR best practices across programmes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Organisational Contribution · Foster effective collaboration between operations, HR, and support departments to ensure integrated workforce solutions.
• Contribute HR expertise to operational decision-making and strategic discussions within the Operational Cell.
• Support emergency interventions, critical incidents, and organisational initiatives when required. 
• Contribute to institutional learning, accountability processes, and intersectional

Years and Nature of Experience

• At least (7) seven years of experience in a senior HR Leadership position, preferably in the MSF or non-profit making humanitarian sector.
• At least (3) three years in a senior HR role in program countries with MSF or other humanitarian organisations in a coordinator position.
• Experience in headquarters as an HR advisor in Ops has added an advantage
• Demonstrated experience and ability to create, implement, maintain, and improve HR processes.
• Experience working with ERP is an asset.

Core Competencies Required for the Role

Technical Competencies

• Strong technical experience in Human Resources and/or Business Administration
• Stakeholder management
• Proven leadership skills
• Strong working knowledge and experience with labour regulations
• Ability to communicate and problem-solve effectively across diverse cultures with sensitivity

Behavioural/General Competencies

• Commitment to MSF’s Principles
• Cross-cultural Awareness
• Strategic Vision
• Results and Quality Orientation
• Service Orientation
• Planning and Organising
• Initiative and Innovation
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Leadership
• People Management and Development
• Networking and Building Relationships
• Security Awareness and Management

Conditions and benefits:

• Start date: 1 October/2026
• Travel: 20% to 50% a year
• Grade/Annual salary section: In line with MSF reward policy, subject to local conditions.
• Location: This position will be based in one of the countries within its portfolio (to be confirmed). For the initial two years, the duty station is expected to be in Harare (Zimbabwe), Johannesburg (South Africa), or Nairobi (Kenya).
• Contract: 3-year renewable, full-time contract (maximum 6 years)
• Risk categorisation: Medium

Application details:

• The vacancy closing date is: 21st of July 2026.
• This vacancy is open to Local and International Applicants.
• By applying to this position, the applicant confirms they have read, understood and agreed to fully comply with the MSF Charter, MSF Behavioural Commitments and Data Privacy Policy.
• In line with MSF’s Safeguarding Principles, successful candidates undergo a rigorous vetting process that includes background checks and self-declaration.
• If you recognise yourself in this profile, we welcome you to apply directly via the vacancy,
• The vacancy can be found on various MSF websites, digital channels, ReliefWeb and other job boards.
• Applicants are required to upload a Letter of Motivation and Curriculum Vitae (in English) as per the prescribed formats. Applications missing the motivation letter will not be considered.
• For any inquiries, please contact Refilwe.pule@joburg.msf.org
  before the vacancy closing date. Kindly use this email only for technical issues related to your application, for example, if you do not receive an automated response or encounter problems uploading documents. Applications sent directly to this email will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Apply here

More Information
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MSF is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any application/ recruitment fee.

Lately, MSF has been a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to assisting other human beings in crisis. As such, MSF is by choice an association. Each individual applying for MSF roles does so out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.